My teenage daughter has learned the value in preparing for an exam. She understands that preparation begins early on, not while cramming on the eve of a big test. If my child understands the need to thoroughly study and absorb the material, I think our state decision makers should follow suit as it evaluates and restructures Medicaid for the 1.7 million Georgians who currently receive benefits.

Regarding the size of government, taxes and spending, both parties mostly just spout label babble. It is reminiscent of a World War II wind-up toy with a clockspring motor emitting annoying mechanical noises.

While the well-thought-out article in Sunday's Times regarding dangerous dogs made some excellent points (the need to socialize and train dogs, the cruelty of keeping dogs chains, the fallacy of discriminating against one breed) it left out one vital one: The need to educate, supervise and control children.

The economy is in bad shape, a lot of people are unemployed and help is needed for them to find jobs in which they are prepared. I noticed that many teachers are considering retiring this year in Hall County since the retirement system is making a change in policy (The Times, April 26) for future retirees.

What better time to pray? Our country is in the midst of the process of electing a president and Congress members for the next four years. Our servicemen and women are deployed in the very dangerous countries of Iraq and Afghanistan as well as other parts of the world. The economy of our country is teetering on collapse. Our state and community are struggling to work through the difficulties caused by the weakened economy.

Now that the election rosters are being resolved, get ready. We are about to be exposed to the worst money can buy. The purpose: to inundate voters with anything and everything that will compromise the thought process.

Even before our neighbor, Casey Turpin, was killed at the intersection of Ga. 365 and Howard Road, my husband and I referred to that intersection as the intersection of death. Trying to cross or enter Ga. 365 there is to take your life in your hands.

The Georgia Department of Transportation must install a traffic light at the Howard Road/Ga. 365 intersection. Every day I pass this section of road coming to work and going home. Every day, patrons of Racetrac and the YMCA jet out into traffic moving at speeds of at least 65 mph, holding and drinking hot coffee, not paying attention, congregating in the median, desperate to get back on the road.

The black community was understandably outraged about what happened to Trayvon Martin. But I always thought that the main point of the protests and public outcry seeking "justice" was that the killing needed to be properly investigated and the shooter arrested.

Trying to implement a new policy for public speaking during work sessions was a valiant effort by Craig Lutz - sadly the first and probably only thing beneficial he's contributed to the county during his stay as commissioner.

Articles by Section - Letters to the editor

Several weeks ago, we looked back at the historic march that began in Selma, Ala., in March 1965. This event was a painful time in our nation's history, but a time that we can all gather great strength from.

The front page headline Sunday in The Times read "Where have all the voters gone?" Let's go back just a few months to the fall of 2014 when midterm elections were in the news. Recall The Times writing about how politicians in Hall County were concerned that SPLOST VII would not be passed by voters for a seventh time if SPLOST VII was placed on the November 2014 ballot?

I read with concern the two recent items in The Times regarding alleged bullying at Myers Elementary (March 7 article, March 19 letter to the editor). Quite honestly, I was confused; I thought perhaps I had read the name of the school incorrectly, and even more confused when I read the principal involved in the articles. I started shaking my head, thinking,"Are you kidding me? Are they really accusing Beth Hudgins of dealing improperly with a situation so potentially hurtful?"

Mary Drummer is right on about Georgia's senators being wrong to have sent a letter to Iran. They are certainly overstepping their place and proving once again that they, of the Republican party, are incapable of sensibly leading this country's government.

I am writing in response to the article from March 7, "Bullying incidents test school policy in Hall County, Gainesville." As a parent of a child in elementary school, the subject is concerning to me. However, I am not worried at all because my child goes to Myers Elementary School. I'm not worried because I have 100 percent faith in my son's teacher and his principal to do the right thing for my child, and those in his class.

On more than one occasion, I have taken pen to paper to offer my criticism of your newspaper. It is expected that we subscribers will do that. When a newspaper does something that I feel is commendable, I will also offer my praise as well as extending my subscription another quarter.